Singapore Writers' Festival 2011

25th October - 30th October 2011.  A week of events for those in the literary arena, be it writers, authors, publishers, literary agents or simply those who are aspiring to write their first novel.  Those in attendance came from both homeland and afar.  Depending on the genre of interest, there is something for everyone - new book launches, dinner with authors, performances, mini-talks and of course the 2-day symposium which I paid $100 to attend.  There are 3 types of passes: Festival pass at $15, the symposium pass at $60 per day or $100 for both days and then the individual passes which range from $20 onwards.  There were some free events as well.

Someone asked me if it was worth paying the amount for the 2day symposium.  Not taking into account the fact that full day pass holders were fed well with 2 tea breaks and 1 lunch, it could  have been extended an hour or so longer.  If any of the organisers get to read this, I would suggest sending the speakers to a course on public speaking first.  It is true to say that being knowledgeable does not make one a good speaker.  The sound system was ok but the speaker stands could have been placed more midway than next to the speakers.  The mike runners had totally no idea how to do their jobs.  I still give credit to the runners as they are after-all volunteers.  I should volunteer for the event next year.  Get to learn and be fed at the same time... not bad.

Rants aside, I did leave the symposium with enough knowledge of what I should or should not do with regards to the publishing of my upcoming book, The Wong Way Home.  One fact is, never to publish my e-book before or even at the same time as my printed book.  I may end up self-publishing if the publishers do not market my book.  The topic on rights was interesting but most of the questions from the audience could not be satisfactorily answered.  Not helpful at all if most of the answers were: "look at your contract."  Had the audience laughing each time that answer was given.

I did wonder why the publishers did not seem keen to talk to us. It was later revealed that they get hounded by writers and authors non stop.  Their recommendation is to submit a manuscript and wait.  One freelance editor caught our attention with his great questions.  When I stood up with my proposals from publishers, he got rather upset and shouted out for me to run far away from those publishers and called them scams.  He later approached me and gave me some insights as to why he said that.   I also met some authors who after a few years, still had not broke even, not to mention making any money.  There were others who had books launched overseas but sales were still slow.  Marketing is the key to sales.  Not all publishers market the books.  They would try to get your books into bookstores.  There is no guarantee that your book would get onto the shelves even if they had distributors all over the world.  At the end of the day, unless you are a best seller writer, you would have to have a strong marketing strategy.

The talk on travel apps was an eye-opener for me. Light-bulbs glowing above my head. I am not that techie but I love dabbling in new things.  Getting distracted again. hahaha  I feel like a little kid inside a candy store when I come across things that excite me.  Ideas ideas ideas.  What lacks is the right team for me.  People who resonates with my craziness.  Yup one of my girlfriends says that I am crazy to be trying different things all the time.  hmmm a sudden thought.  Am I the female version of Richard Branson?  He dabbles in different kinds of businesses too.  Yup, I am a dreamer as well.  Hey, dreams are what keeps us going mostly.  Better than nightmares, right?

An agent gave the advise to put the book aside for a while after writing.  Then perhaps a month later, read the book as a whole.  One would be marvelled at how differently the book would be read and new ideas and inputs would suffice.  This is what I have done for the past 2 weeks.  Not touched my book at all.  I know for a fact that there will be changes when I get back to it.  I even know which section I want to change.  Till next week, it shall remain in the hard drive.

Some connections have been made and I will follow up on them in a couple of days.  Calls to make, people to see.  Exciting time.  Today, I read about The Marriage Central in Singapore.  Light bulbs lighting up again.  I wrote to the Chairperson Ms Anita Fam to share with her my two books.  Yes, yes, two books.  I have yet to talk about my second book but I already have the title and idea for it.  Tons of research to be done for that.

Wow time flies as usual.  Better get off my butt and take my eyes off the computer screen for a while. Today, my youngest son turns 14.  I would probably seek their opinion as to where they want to have dinner.  I like to try new places on such occasions.  Tell you about it in my next blog.

Ciao.....